UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF THE PINES
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    • Vision, Mission, and Core Values of Church of the Pines
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​Church of the Pines is a Stephen Ministry Church

Picture
Holly Nash, Ted Voigt,
and Gretchen Voigt
Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons of our church to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those, both in our congregation and community, who are experiencing a difficult time.
 
Our Stephen Ministers are trained to be compassionate listeners to persons experiencing special needs such as:
​
  • separation or divorce
  • terminal illness
  • loss of a loved one
  • job crisis
  • financial stress
  • loneliness or depression
  • hospitalization
  • being homebound
  • spiritual crisis
  • ... and much more!

​Confidentiality is the foundation of Stephen Ministry

​The relationship between a Stephen Minister and his/her care receiver is completely confidential.

​Stephen Ministers are Christians who...

  • express God's care through their lives to others
  • receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
  • are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
  • visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care and emotional and spiritual encouragement
  • participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
  • are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
  • serve for at least two years; receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service

​​"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion."
Colossians 3:12

​About the leaders of our Stephen Ministry...

Stephen Leaders are pastors and/or laypersons who have completed a seven day Stephen Series Leader's Training Course and are commissioned to lead the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
​
Our Stephen Leader can...
  • help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister
  • tell you how to become a Stephen Minister
  • tell you about Stephen Minister training and our next training class
  • answer other questions about our Stephen Ministry program

​Want information about receiving a Stephen Minister?

​If you or someone you know would like to talk about how a Stephen Minister can help, please contact our Stephen Leader: Holly Nash, (715) 356-6861.
  • About
    • Vision, Mission, and Core Values of Church of the Pines
    • Welcome
    • From the Pastor
    • Staff & Leadership >
      • Ministry Council
  • Worship
    • Worship Services
    • Connect Card
    • Worship Videos
    • Worship Bulletins
  • Programs & Classes
    • Day Camp (VBS)
  • Giving
    • Make a Gift
  • Mission Matters
    • Sow a Row
    • Mission Focus: Impact 2024
    • Blessing Bags
    • Lakeland Pantry Tour - February 3, 2025
  • Newsletter
  • Past Newsletters
  • Ministries
    • Children, Youth & Family Ministries
    • Stephen Ministry
  • Prayer Requests
  • Church Calendar
  • Altar Flowers
  • Special Church Events
  • Church Directory
  • Event/Room Usage Form
  • Photos & Videos
  • United Women in Faith
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Kingdom Stories: Learning to Live the Parables
  • Christmas Eve 2024 Highlights